REI to close stores on Black Friday, telling workers to take a hike

Outdoor retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc., known as REI, has announced it will buck Black Friday and close its 143 stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving. The Kent-based co-op told members the plan in an email Monday, saying instead of working they'll pay their employees on Nov. 27 to be outside. REI also created the social media hashtag #optoutside and a Web site where people can share their outdoorsy plans for that day. The National Retail Federation said fewer people shopped over Thanksg...